1. science
2. ecology
3. pollution

ANAEROBIC TREATMENT OF DISTILLERY
WASTEWATER
R. Tomczak-Wandzel, J. Górniaczyk, K. Mędrzycka
Gdańsk University of Technology, Chemical Faculty, Narutowicza Str. 11/12, 81-952 Gdansk
(E-mail: renata.tomczak-wandzel@pg.gda.pl)
ABSTRACT
The estimated global ethanol production in 2009 was about 74 mln m3. After fermentation remains
waste from bottom of distillation columns, termed stillage. This highly aqueous residue containing
organic solubles is considered a troublesome and potentially polluting waste due to its extremely
high BOD and COD values. Moreover, for each liter of produced ethanol 8 -15 liters of stillage are
generated on average. The possibility of anaerobic treatment of distillery stillage was analyzed.
KEYWORDS: ethanol production, distillery stillage, anaerobic processes, UASB
INTRODUCTION
The estimated global ethanol production in 2009 was about 74 mln m3. In the recent decade it has
been applied by a rapidly developing energy branch as a fuel alternative to fossils. The most
common raw materials for ethanol production are mainly: corn, wheat, rice, potatoes, sugar beets,
sugar cane, molasses. Theoretical fermentation model assumes about 95% conversion to ethanol
and carbon dioxide. The remaining sugar fraction yields yeast cellular matter (1%) and formation of
alternative by-products (4%), typically glycerol, succinate, acetate and fusel oils (U.S. Grains
Council, 2007). In practice the ethanol yields rarely exceed 90% of the theoretical yield (Grajek et
al., 2008). The end product of fermentation is 1-12% aqueous ethanol solution. It is next transferred
to distillation column and heated above its boiling point, either by means of direct steam injection
or a reboiler. The vapors condensate on top of the rectifying columns reaching typically 95%
ethanol concentration. The remaining stillage falls down the stripping column. If a higher ethanol
concentration is desired (e.g. for biodiesels) additional dehydration or drying is required to remove
the remaining 5% of water (U.S. Grains Council, 2007, Grajek et al., 2008). The residues from
these processes are added to the final stillage volume (Wilkie, 2000).
Stillage characterization
Stillage, (also called: Wet Distiller's Grains with Solubles (WDGS)) is the liquid residue of ethanol
distillation (Cibis et al., 2006). Its chemical composition and characteristics depend mainly on the
type and specific cultivar of the raw material used for fermentation. Fresh stillage drained from the
bottoms of distillation columns has a temperature of about 70-80°C and brown to dark brown colour
(Sowmeyan and Swaminathan, 2008). It is of acidic nature and the pH usually varies from about 3.5
to 4.5 (Wilkie, 2000). The load of COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) in stillage is typically in a
range of 80-100 gO2/L and results principally from the composition of feedstock (Sowmeyan and
Swaminathan, 2008). High content of organic compounds is also reflected in the values of BOD
(Biochemical Oxygen Demand), which typically range from 30 to 60 gO2/L (Pant and Adholeya,
2007). The remaining organic fraction is a mixture of compounds present in trace amounts and
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Tomczak-Wandzel, Górniaczyk, Mędrzycka, Anaerobic treatment of distillery wastewater
comprises of higher-boiling or nonvolatile acids (hydroxylated, dicarboxylic, amino acids and
others), polyhydric alcohols, various sugars, sugar alcohols, proteins, fats and salts (Dowd, 1993).
Variability in nitrogen and phosphorus loads is related to content of these elements in raw
material. Total nitrogen content is usually 1.6-2.0 g/L, but may be as high as 6.0 gN/L. Such
outstanding nitrogen content in barley stillage is due to large amount of proteins in barley grains.
The content of total phosphorus is typically between 0.2 and 0.4 gP/L and deviations from this
range are rare, but may reach even 3.0 gP/L. Potassium levels vary from 0.9 to 17.5 gK/L (Wilkie,
2000). Sulphates content in stillage origins principally from sulfur compounds used in the
production process. In effluents from molasses fermentation this content is most notable, amounting
4.0-7.0 g/L and results from using sulphide in manufacturing of sugar. Higher sulphate
concentrations can also be expected in grain stillages due to sulphuric acid pretreatment (Wilkie,
2000).
Direct disposal of untreated distillery effluents into natural waters poses a serious threat to
aquatic organisms. High COD, nitrogen and phosphates content may contribute to eutrophication of
lakes and rivers (Sowmeyan, Swaminathan, 2008). Colorants may intensify this effect by limiting
the permeability to sunlight, which leads to inhibition of the photosynthetic activity and in turn to
decreased dissolved oxygen levels (Mohana et al., 2007).
Methods of treatment and utilization of stillage
In Fig.1 the most common methods of utilization the distillery stillage is presented. The solid
fraction mixed with condensed solubles can be dried and utilized as a high-value animal fodder
additive, termed Dried Distiller's Grains and Solubles (DDGS) (Kim et al., 2008).
Figure 1. Dry-grind ethanol production process and co-products (U.S. Grains Council, 2007)
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Tomczak-Wandzel, Górniaczyk, Mędrzycka, Anaerobic treatment of distillery wastewater
An idea of utilizing distillery stillage as a feedstock for methane fermentation came out as an
alternative to thermal processing. In recent years anaerobic treatment has been successfully applied
on both pilot and full scale. Not only it allows passing over the drying stage, but also offers an
opportunity for energy recovery. Estimated biogas yield from 1 tone of stillage is 55 m3 with
methane content at least 55%. Its combustion is capable of covering significant part of thermal
energy demand in ethanol production and purification stages. Depending on the choice of
technology, methane combustion can cover even 75-100% of the process energy demand (Pfeffer et
al. 2007).
Anaerobic treatment of distillery stillage
A typical BOD/COD ratio of 0.8-0.9 indicates suitability of distillery wastewaters for biological
treatment (Mohana et al., 2007). Digestion in anaerobic conditions is most typically employed as a
primary treatment for distillery effluents. Such solution is favored by the fact, that during anaerobic
degradation about 50% of the COD contained in stillage can be converted to biogas at only about
10% sludge generation (Wilkie, 2000).
Anaerobic systems can operate in two modes. In a single-phase systems all stages of
anaerobic digestion are performed in one vessel, while biphasic arrangements provide separate
digesters for acidogenic and methanogenic stage. Such solution allows maintaining optimal
conditions for both phases, thus increasing the overall process efficiency and improving the stability
of a system (Mohana et al., 2007).
Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR)
This is the simplest form of a closed digester with biogas capture. One of the most common reactors
of this type is Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR). Due to constant mixing, a uniform
substrate is formed, and in consequence, SRT (Sludge Retention Time) is equal to the HRT
(Hydraulic Retention Time) (Moletta, 2005). Tequila vinasse was treated in a lab-scale mesophilic
CSTR by Méndez-Acosta (Méndez-Acosta, 2010). Obtained COD removal varied from 90 to 95%.
Per each kg of COD removed 537 L of biogas containing over 60% of methane was produced.
Anaerobic Suspended Growth Reactor (ASGR)
Banu examined the treatment of stillage in two lab-scale Anaerobic Suspended Growth Reactors
(ASGR) operating in meso- and thermophilic ranges (Banu et al., 2006; 2007). Both systems
experienced souring shock after increasing the loads above these values, when the VFA
concentration raised by 500%, decreasing the treatment efficiency to 52%, 40%, and 46% in terms
of COD, TS and VS removal, respectively.
Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) Reactor
In UASB reactor, the anaerobic consortium appears in the form of granules, which are suspended
by the produced biogas and movement of recirculating effluent. An internal settler is placed on top
of the digester to hold back the granules (Moletta, 2005). A wine distillery in Wellington, South
Africa, utilizes an UASB reactor for effluent pretreatment. The applied inoculum was UASB
brewery sludge. The generated effluents are collected in a balancing tank and are next passed
through a cooling tower to lower their temperature to 37°C. The generated biogas, after purification,
is readily utilized by the plant. The applied technology accomplishes COD reduction by over 90%,
allowing discharge of the treated effluents into the municipal sewer (Wolmarans and de Villiers,
2002).
Three full-scale UASB reactors treating similar effluents (anise stillage from production of
cognac and raki) at three turkish distilleries were compared and evaluated by Ince et al. (Ince et al.,
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Tomczak-Wandzel, Górniaczyk, Mędrzycka, Anaerobic treatment of distillery wastewater
2005). The digesters treating raki stillages achieved 85% of COD removal, in cognac stillage
treatment it was 70-80%.
UASB was employed also in treatment of grape wine distillery stillage by Moosbrugger. Overall
COD removal efficiency of the process exceeded 80% (Moosbrugger et al., 1993). Goodwin et al.
(Goodwin et al., 2001) treated malt whisky stillage in a mesophilic UASB reactor. Seed sludge was
taken from another UASB system treating sucrose-based materials. The COD removal efficiency
accounted at least 85%.
A problem was encountered during mesophilic anaerobic treatment of grain distillation
wastewater in UASB, where the ethanol was produced from corn. Distilled stillage from corn
characterizes high content of fats. Problems with anaerobic treatment of wastewater containing
lipids result from two phenomena: adsorption of a light lipid layer around biomass particles causing
biomass flotation as well as, washout and acute toxicity of LCFA (Long Chain Fatty Acids),
especially unsaturated ones, to both methanogens and acetogens, the two main trophic groups
involved in LCFA degradation. The results of the research indicated, that fat can limits the
applicability of UASB treatment to this type of stillage.
Anaerobic Sequencing Batch Reactor (ASBR)
Recently, Luo attempted to introduce discharge of settled sludge for enhanced treatment of cassava
stillage in ASBR (Luo et al., 2009). High SS content in this type of wastewaters limits the
feasibility of its treatment in high rate reactors. With COD:N:P ratio of 200:5:1 nutrient
supplementation was not required. The system was maintained at 55°C by a water bath and
operated as CSTR in the initial period of 140 days at HRT of 5 days, then switched to ASBR mode
with 24 hour cycle, including 19 hours reacting time. Within the initial period sludge concentration
was maintaned at constant level of 30g/L by daily discharging, then evaluated at increasing HRTs.
COD removal efficiency was 90.8%.
Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR)
Winery and distillery wastewaters were treated in ABR system. The unique structure of ABR
allows to partially separate the acidogenesis and methanogenesis steps thanks to a series of baffles
forcing the flow of wastewater. Elongated contact time with the microbial sludge ehnances the
treatment (Moletta, 2005).
Anaerobic Fluidised Bed Reactor (AFBR)
In this type of reactor carriers for the bacterial biofilms are kept in a fluid state by drag forces
exerted by the upflowing recirculating effluents (Moletta, 2005). Medium fluidisation provides
large surface area for the bacterial growth and enhances contact with the wastewater. Fine-grained
sand particles or activated carbon are typically used as media for the attachement of
microorganisms. The distillery spent wash treatment in reactor of this type has been proposed
(Mohana et al., 2007).
Upflow Sludge Blanket Filter (USBF) Reactor
An interesting configuration combining the up flow anaerobic filter (UAF) technology and an
UASB reactor has been developed. Elongated biomass retention and minimized clogging are the
main advantages of hybrid reactor over the conventional high-rate systems. It is particularilly
favorable for effluents, which are not capable of developing granular sludge (Mohana et al., 2007).
Molina examined the treatment of stillage in USBF Reactor (Molina et al., 2007). COD
removal efficiency accounted up to 96%. The methane content in generated biogas ranged from 70
to 74% at production rate of 3321 L/kg COD removed, which creates a possibility of its future
utilization for energy recovery. Such outstanding performance could in this case result from a very
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Tomczak-Wandzel, Górniaczyk, Mędrzycka, Anaerobic treatment of distillery wastewater
good quality of the effluents, owing to their high volatile suspended solids (VSS) content and great
granulating properties. The system was proved feasible in a long-term treatment of seasonally
generated wastewaters, such as winery effluents (Molina et al., 2007).
Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactors (AMBR)
Technology of ASGR is combined with various membrane processes in Anaerobic Membrane
Bioreactors (AMBR). Contrary to other anaerobic systems, this type of reactors have a relatively
high energy requirements resulting from application of separation techniques. For this reason they
are preferably designed for maximal energy recovery from anaerobic digestion (Melamane et al.,
2007). This system was also considered for wine distillery wastewater treatment.
Kubota Submerged Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor (KSAMBR)
Thi§s is the most recent development in methane fermentation technologies and performs the
process under thermophilic conditions. It is already utilized by 15 full scale plants in Japan. In a
demonstration study Kanai presented a case of distillery using barley and sweet potatoes for
production of Shochu spirit, which uses full-scale KSAMBR technology (Kanai et al., 2010).
KSAMBR arrangement comprises of a separate methane fermentation tank (MF) with a subcompartment termed submerged membrane separator (SMS). Temperature in the system is
maintained by steam-fed heat exchangers. Optimal conditions, namely solid content of 3- 9% and
ammonia concentration about 1.5 g/L are achieved by recirculation of effluent from SMS to MF for
stillage dilution. Excellent COD removal efficiency reaching 92% was obtained in this system. The
electricity consumption for heating and membrane separation is fully covered by the energy
retrieved from high purity (60% of methane and 40% of carbon dioxide) biogas combustion, which
production is equivalent to 12·109 J/day. It is still in a large excess to the total process requirements
(Kanai et al., 2010).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The concept of the study was based on the use of anaerobic digestion of brewery wastewater
treatment in the macro-laboratory scale. The aim of this investigation was the separation of the two
most important steps in the process of fermentation - acidogenesis and methanogenesis.
Methanogenesis was performed in UASB-type reactor. Furthermore, the objective of the
experimental work was to generate granular sludge with good sedimentation properties.
Anaerobic wastewater treatment was carried out in the system shown in Figure 1. It
consisted of prefermentation chamber (2), which was fed with the raw wastewater from tank (1).
The chamber (2) was equipped with a mixer and in it tank (1) the acidic fermentation took place.
After acidic stage the wastewater was pumped into neutralization tank (3). The pH was set up at
about 6.5. It is a necessary condition for the proper metanogenesis in the next step, methane
fermentation in the UASB chamber (4).
For the experiments the mixture of synthetic wastewater (prepared according to Weinberger,
Wojnowska-Baryła et al., 1993) and appropriately diluted beer were used. The synthetic wastewater
was a source of minerals (Na, K, Mg, Ca), while the beer supplied mainly carbon, nitrogen and
phosphorus.
Investigations on the anaerobic digestion of such prepared “brewing” wastewater in the
UASB system were carried out continuously for five months. For monitoring of the process the
COD was determined according to Standard Methods.
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Tomczak-Wandzel, Górniaczyk, Mędrzycka, Anaerobic treatment of distillery wastewater
Figure 2. Anaerobic wastewater treatment system, detailed description in Table 1
Table 1. Equipment list of anaerobic wastewater treatment system (see, Fig.1)
No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Equipments
Raw wastewater tank
Prefermentation tank
Neutralization tank
UASB reactor
NaOH storage tank
Gas collector
Raw wastewater feed pump
NaOH dosing pump
Feed pump
pH - meter
Mechanic stirrer
Magnetic stirrer
Stop valve
Control valve
Triple valve
Injection valve
The UASB reactor chamber was inoculated with granular sludge, taken from anaerobic
treatment plant in sugar industry. The sewage sludge had a clear granular structure, the granules
were smooth, with diameter 1 - 2 mm. The sewage sludge was characterized by good sedimentation
properties.
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Tomczak-Wandzel, Górniaczyk, Mędrzycka, Anaerobic treatment of distillery wastewater
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The studies were carried out for 94 days. At the beginning the anaerobic sewage sludge should be
adopted to synthetic brewery wastewater. Thus, the COD load during start-up was slightly lower
than during the next periods and on average it was about 1800 mgO2/dm3. In the next phase the
COD was rised to about 2550 mgO2/dm3, while the highest COD load (about 4000 mgO2/dm3) was
applied during last week of the experiment. The hydraulic retention time (HRT) in the UASB
reactor was 24 hours.
In the course of investigation the effectiveness of brewing wastewater treatment in the
UASB system was monitored, however, the properties of anaerobic sludge were also controlled.
In the initial phase of the process with the new sewage type, the sludge has lost its granular
form. New grown bacteria formed dispersed flocks instead of to aggregate into granules. The flocks
small in size flowed out from the UASB reactor, what made operational problems and the process
efficiency was not satisfactory in COD removal. However, after several weeks of process run the
sludge began form a larger agglomerates, possessing better sedimentation properties. After 5
months we observed the new granules with smooth texture. Their shape was not identical to that of
inoculated sludge (less smooth texture), also the size of granule was larger (2 - 4 mm). Thus, the
newly granulated anaerobic sludge possessed better settling properties than inculating sludge.
The efficiency of wastewater treatment was monitored by the determination of COD. The
obtained results of the COD of sewage after treatment are summarized in Table 2., while in Fig. 3
the COD removal versus time is presented. The efficiency of COD removal is expressed in relation
to raw wastewater COD value.
Figure 3. COD removal from wastewater
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Tomczak-Wandzel, Górniaczyk, Mędrzycka, Anaerobic treatment of distillery wastewater
Table 2. Changes of COD during brewing wastewater treatment in UASB system
Sampl
e
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Day of
treatmen
t
1
4
6
10
12
15
20
25
26
32
35
39
41
47
50
53
58
63
67
69
72
80
82
84
87
89
91
94
Raw
1050
1230
1540
1690
1650
2010
1500
1875
1800
2035
2440
1460
2160
2220
2115
2740
1690
3160
1750
3380
4700
3440
5860
3375
4155
4100
3600
3145
COD in wastewater [mgO2/dm3]
Prefermentation Neutralization
tank
tank
1300
1650
1670
1825
1270
1500
1850
1920
1535
1450
1790
1920
1750
1220
1600
1475
1530
1415
1835
1895
2685
2670
1160
1690
2465
2095
2541
2520
2175
1605
2695
1840
1500
1400
2920
2410
2530
2060
3380
3170
2970
2770
2330
1920
3000
2625
3035
2615
4040
3815
3825
4740
3535
3165
2560
2500
Treated
960
910
770
290
190
196
209
266
241
220
270
348
805
426
270
215
370
530
310
1050
430
220
375
180
166
224
162
230
COD removal
efficiency
[%]
8.5
24.1
50.0
83.1
88.5
90.2
86.1
85.8
86.6
89.2
89.0
76.0
62.7
80.8
87.0
92.2
78.1
86.4
80.0
68.0
91.0
93.5
93.3
94.1
96.8
95.0
95.5
93.9
As it is clearly visible from the presented results, the adaptation of anaerobic bacteria
present in the sewage sludge in brewing wastewater was clearly visible. The initial removal of COD
was below 10% (simultaneously the dispersion of the sludge granules was observed). After about
two weeks of process continuing, the COD removal increased up to 90%. This level of organic
matter removal was maintained till the end of the experiment.
CONCLUSIONS
Application of anaerobic digestion to distillery effluents is a preferable primary treatment option.
Since aerobic processes have higher nutrient requirements and cause operational difficulties in
treating high organic strength wastewaters, employing these methods in primary treatment of
stillage would result in lower cost-efficiency. Conversion of COD into biogas through
biomethanation, rather than into sludge in aerobic processes appears to be a reasonable solution.
The generated methane can be readily utilized as a fuel covering the energy demand in ethanol
production process. Contrary to the popular dryhouse processing, anaerobic digestion of stillage
may significantly improve the energy balance of an ethanol plant.
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Tomczak-Wandzel, Górniaczyk, Mędrzycka, Anaerobic treatment of distillery wastewater
Most of the anaerobic technologies applied so far in the treatment of high organic strength
wastewaters - municipal and originated from other industry branches - were employed for effluents
from ethanol manufacture, achieving high levels of pollutants decay.
Further development of anaerobic technologies treating ethanol stillages can be expected to
tend towards processes conducted at higher temperatures. Utilization of separation techniques,
particularly various membrane processes, emerge as a promising technological improvement for
enhanced treatment efficiency in anaerobic digestion of distillery effluents.
Our experiments have demonstrated that anaerobic treatment of brewery wastewater in
UASB system could be good method of organic, easily biodegradable wastewater utilization. The
achieved efficiency of COD removal was satisfactory, it reached over 95%. During the experiment
the properties of anaerobic granular sludge was also controlled. The granulated sludge used as a
inoculum was characterized by good sedimentation properties. In the initial stage of treatment the
newly grown bacteria had dispersed form. Besides, granules looses its solid form and diversed,
what results in poor sedimentation properties. But after stabilization of the process the bacteria
started to form granular shape. Their sedimentation properties ameliorated. And what is the most
important – the anaerobic bacteria were able to adopt to new wastewater composition and to recover
their biological and physical properties.
Successfully implemented on a full scale by over 147 facilities worldwide, anaerobic
utilization of distillery effluents may already be considered as an established technology. A broad
range of secondary and tertiary treatment options is available. Anaerobic digestion of stillage
presents a sustainable and economically viable method allowing to mitigate the environmental
impacts of ethanol industry.
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